Weston Aqueduct

The Weston Aqueduct Linear District is a historic water system stretching about 13.5 miles through Southborough, Framingham, Wayland, and Weston, featuring numerous chambers, bridges, and water control structures. This gravity-fed system connects the Sudbury Reservoir to the Weston Reservoir and continues to serve the region's emergency water supply needs.

Construction occurred between 1901 and 1903 as the third phase of Boston's metropolitan water supply development. This engineering project represented a major advancement in bringing reliable water to the growing urban region.

The Renaissance Revival structures along the route feature polychrome granite facades with decorative details designed by the prominent Boston architectural firm Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge. These buildings remain visible reminders of early 1900s craftsmanship and contribute to the character of the landscape today.

The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority maintains this working system today, so some areas may have restricted access for operational reasons. Visitors can explore the route on foot along public roads and pathways where the engineering structures are visible above ground or in the landscape.

The aqueduct contains two distinct siphon sections, including a steel pipe crossing the Sudbury River supported by stone abutments that descends below the river bed. This underground solution was an elegant way to carry water across the river without interrupting the landscape above.

Location: Massachusetts

GPS coordinates: 42.33333,-71.37556

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:41